Elizabeth Berkley: Reclaiming Her Narrative, 30 Years After Showgirls’ Controversial Debut
Elizabeth Berkley, a name that evokes a spectrum of memories from ‘Saved by the Bell’ innocence to ‘Showgirls’ audaciousness, is experiencing a remarkable career resurgence. Three decades after her most infamous performance, the actress is seizing this moment with grace, resilience, and a newfound power over her own story. With significant roles in projects like Ryan Murphy’s legal drama All’s Fair and the indie film Shell, Berkley is not just back; she’s illuminating a path she’s been meticulously building for years.
The Resurgence: A New Chapter Unfolds
This year marks a pivotal period for Berkley, whose on-screen presence is more prominent than it’s been in over a decade. Beyond her role in the much-anticipated All’s Fair, where she portrays a client in urgent need of assistance within a female-led divorce firm, Berkley has also made her first feature film appearance in 15 years in the independent film Shell, co-starring with talents like Kate Hudson and Elisabeth Moss. Fans also saw her guest-star in the final season of Netflix’s acclaimed series, Cobra Kai. This renewed visibility isn’t accidental; it’s the culmination of years of dedicated work and an unyielding belief in her craft.
Berkley credits visionary creators like Ryan Murphy for recognizing her untapped potential. “He has a gift for seeing what someone is actually capable of; maybe they haven’t been given the chance, but he can see beyond that,” she shares, highlighting the trust and opportunity that have propelled her forward.
Showgirls: From Scrutiny to Cult Stardom
The year also coincides with the 30th anniversary of Showgirls, a film that initially garnered widespread derision but has since transformed into a beloved cult classic. Released when Berkley was just 21, her portrayal of Nomi Malone, a spirited Vegas dancer, became the target of relentless criticism. The NC-17 film was lambasted by critics, mocked in the press, and bombed at the box office, leading to Berkley being dropped by her agency. She recalls a period of intense scrutiny, where publicists showed her clippings of reviews that cruelly attacked her looks and abilities. “A lot of things went on that wouldn’t be allowed now — someone could not be pummeled to that degree,” Berkley reflects, emphasizing the harsh realities of Hollywood at the time.
Despite the overwhelming negativity, Berkley maintained an unwavering faith in her work and herself. She was proud of touring 10 countries to fulfill press obligations alone, stating, “I’m not a quitter. I wanted to speak. I wanted to be heard. I had no other platform.”
The Unyielding Spirit: Paving Her Own Path
In the aftermath of Showgirls, Berkley faced significant hurdles, including being “literally locked out of something I loved so much” for two years, unable even to audition. Yet, this adversity only fueled her determination. She immersed herself in acting and dance classes, actively seeking opportunities outside conventional channels. Her persistence paid off, as she secured a role in The First Wives Club by sending in an audition tape — a rarity then — after personally contacting Paramount chairperson Sherry Lansing.
Her journey continued with supporting roles in independent films and television series, along with critically acclaimed performances on London and New York stages. Charles Isherwood of The New York Times notably praised her 2005 off-Broadway revival performance in David Rabe’s Hurlyburly, calling it “a testament to how much her talent has grown” since Showgirls.
A Cultural Reckoning: Showgirls Embraced
While Berkley was rebuilding her career, Showgirls was quietly undergoing a significant cultural reevaluation. What was once dismissed as a disaster began to be re-examined as a potent, deliciously indulgent satire. Queer audiences, in particular, connected deeply with Berkley’s audacious, all-or-nothing commitment to the role of Nomi Malone. The film became a subject of academic study, inspiring filmmakers and fashion designers alike.
The true magnitude of this shift only became apparent to Berkley in 2015, during a 20th-anniversary screening at Cinespia in Los Angeles. The ecstatic reception from 5,000 screaming fans was a profound, validating moment for her. Fast forward another decade, and Berkley is now at the forefront of the Showgirls phenomenon, spearheading an anniversary tour across at least 10 U.S. cities, complete with screenings, bonus footage, and personal appearances.
Manifesting the Future: Dreams Yet to Come
Today, Elizabeth Berkley is not just celebrating her past; she’s actively manifesting her future. She envisions collaborating with dream directors like Greta Gerwig and expresses a desire to appear on acclaimed shows such as The White Lotus. Her journey is marked by a powerful reclamation of her narrative, sharing her story and connecting with fans in a way she couldn’t 30 years ago.
A recent, poignant moment underscored this full-circle journey: while shopping, Berkley noticed a Versace dress, reminiscent of her character Nomi’s infamous pronunciation of “Versace” in the film. Trying it on, it fit perfectly, mirroring Nomi’s experience. Later, on the red carpet for All’s Fair, surrounded by stars like Kim Kardashian and Sarah Paulson, Berkley truly stole the show.
As she reflects on her path, Berkley, at 51, sheds tears of pure release and joy. “I’ve had some obstacles, but I’ve never given up,” she asserts, embodying a spirit that continues to inspire. “And a lot of dreams have come true — with a lot more to come.” Her story is a powerful testament to resilience, artistic integrity, and the enduring spirit of an actress who, against all odds, has triumphed. For more on Elizabeth Berkley’s journey, visit her IMDb page.
